Khedira eyes 'perfect opportunity' against City

German international Sami Khedira believes that Real Madrid's fixture against Manchester City provides the ideal opportunity to kick start the Los Blancos season.

The La Liga holders have won only one of their opening four league games, and are already lagging behind leaders Barcelona by eight points.

Khedira is not too worried just yet, though, and is hopeful that Madrid will find their rhythm once more against the English Premier League champions in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"It's only normal that you lack a bit of confidence after a disappointing start to the season," Khedira told reporters.

"Nevertheless, Tuesday's game against Manchester City is the perfect opportunity to get back on track."

Jose Mourinho heavily criticised his team in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Sevilla and the midfielder feels the Madrid coach was within his rights to do so, even though he disagrees with the Portuguese's comment that they are not yet a team.

"I think we're a team," Khedira said. "The coach has the responsibility, and we have the responsibility to play well. We have to play better to give the best of ourselves.

"The coach is right and we played a very poor game. He has every right to say what he wants before public opinion."

As for Mourinho, the Real coach defended his decision to question the players' mental strength, claiming his issued the challenge prior their 1-0 loss at the hands of Sevilla, not after.

"I talked to the players before we lose a game, not after," he said.

"After the games, if it is a good result or bad one, I do not like any feedback.

"I don't like to be with them in the dressing room, I think the players are not ready to listen after a match - they are not ready to listen or to speak.

"The words that I said to them were before the loss, for this reason it cannot be considered a criticism, because for me it is a conviction, a conviction that I reaffirm."